UV Lights: Check the Bulb and Change as Needed

January 14, 2014
By
Roth Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

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Achieving good indoor air quality in your Portland area home can be accomplished
by installing UV lights to remove harmful microorganisms from your indoor
air. However, it’s important for homeowners to know how often the
bulbs in ultraviolet light germicidal systems should be changed in order
to maximize performance.

A big reason why it’s important to keep your indoor air clean, of
course, is to keep your family healthy. Microorganisms in your air such
as bacteria, mold spores, viruses and others can be harmful if inhaled
into the lungs. The threat is even worse for those who suffer from allergies
or asthma.

Most microorganisms common in residential settings don’t have any
defense against exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The UV rays break down
their molecular bonds, eventually killing these organisms. UV lights typically
are installed either in your ducts, where they treat the airflow as it
moves through your system, or else they’re installed to shine on
a heat pump or A/C’s indoor coil and condensate pan, where moisture
tends to create a hospitable breeding spot for mold and bacteria.

How you utilize these lights will determine how often you need to change
the bulbs. If they’re positioned to treat the air that’s traveling
through your home’s ductwork, they should be changed once a year.
If, however, you’re using them primarily to treat the site of mold
and mildew accumulation on the indoor coil, they should be OK for two
years, which is their maximum lifespan. If you follow this replacement
schedule, you’ll keep the microorganisms at bay. One final note
– be sure never to use the lights for more than three years or you’ll
risk damaging your equipment.

For more expert advice about the installation and use of UV lights, or
for questions related to home comfort,
please contact us at (503) 994-9924. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Portland
and the surrounding area since 1976.